DIY Guards
DIY | Gimmicks | Scams
DIY Options are Endless. We understand saving money, we try to do it too, but not everything cheap is good. If you go to a home improvement store, or shop on amazon you may find multiple items that look like the better products you see listed here and other professional places, but aren’t the same in function.
Remember the most important consideration of DIY options, your time and effort.
TIPS FOR DIY SHOPPING
Avoid ALL Vinyl Guards - There are NO good vinyl leaf guard products in the consumer OR professional markets
Avoid Strainers - Downspout strainers only cause clogs to happen quicker by adding a wire mesh right out the outlet
Avoid any ‘filter’ type guard that requires water to pass through the pores of a foam product, as these will quicky turn to compost gardens
When shopping online buy 1 single piece of several types of guard to feel their construction quality BEFORE ordering enough for you whole house
Stainless-Steel mesh type guards OFTEN come in sizes that don’t fit your gutter, and require special tools to shape
Be sure your guards come with the necessary Fasteners, if a guard ‘installs’ without fasteners, it will likely uninstall itself similarly in a storm.
Material Cost
$2.00 - $6.00 per foot in most applications
PROS
Cost
As You Go Options
CONS
Often Inferior Products
Time Required to Install
Tools Required
Ladder Work
WHERE TO USE
When You’re Capable and Willing
When High-Quality Protection isn’t necessary
WHERE TO AVOID
Large Projects
Tall Houses
When High-Quality Protection is Required
Broad Leaves
Pine Straw
Intense Water
Metal Roofs
Maintenance
Cost